The Feeling of Discomfort and Self- Esteem Experienced by Women in the Vaginal Examination during the Birth Process

Aim: The research was conducted to evaluate the discomfort and self-esteem experienced by women during vaginal examination during birth. Method: The study was conducted with 253 women in the maternity unit. Research data were collected using Personal and Obstetric Characteristics Form, Questionnaire for Vaginal Examination during Birth, Questionnaire for Feeling of Discomfort during Vaginal Examination at Birth, and Two-Dimensional Self-Esteem: Adaptation of the Self-Liking/SelfCompetence Scale. Findings: It was observed that there was a statistically significant difference between women\\\'s privacy practices during vaginal examination, their pain/discomfort, the health professional who performed the practice, the number and location of vaginal examinations, the gender of the person performing the examination and the status of showing the necessary sensitivity and the mean scores of feeling discomfort. In addition, it was observed that there was a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of self-love and self-efficacy according to the income status of women, the status of thinking that sufficient information was given before vaginal examination, and the place of examination. Conclusion: In the study, it was observed that the feeling of discomfort was affected by factors such as privacy, pain, the number and location of vaginal examination, the gender of the person performing the examination and the sensitivity shown, while self-esteem was affected by income status, the status of thinking that sufficient information was given before vaginal examination and the location of the examination. Midwives are recommended to care for women with a holistic approach during vaginal examination during the birth process. Keywords: Childbirth, discomfort, self-esteem, vaginal examination